Indonesia-Kuwait forge stronger economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties
Ambassador Lena Mariana highlights $547m bilateral trade and cultural exchange success as both nations prepare for first joint political consultations

The Ambassador Indonesia to Kuwait, H.E. Lena Mariana, affirmed that the relations between Indonesia and Kuwait see rapid progress, particularly following the signing of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Indonesian Supreme Court and the Kuwaiti Constitutional Court, which has paved the way for high-level exchanges.
She revealed that preparations are underway to hold the first joint political consultations between the two countries in Jakarta before the end of this year.
Speaking to the media to mark the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, the ambassador noted that bilateral trade reached $547.5 million in 2024, a significant increase compared to 2020.
She added that the first half of 2025 recorded 18% growth compared to the same period last year. Kuwait currently ranks 87th among investors in Indonesia, she said, highlighting ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the GCC states.
Ambassador Mariana stressed that cooperation also spans cultural and educational fields, welcoming the expansion of scholarships and academic and language exchange programs. On tourism, she disclosed that around 5,090 Kuwaiti visitors traveled to Indonesia in 2024, expressing hope that this number will double in the coming years.
She praised Kuwait’s prominent role in supporting humanitarian projects in Indonesia through its charity institutions, citing the opening of the Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Complex in Garut, West Java last year.
The ambassador further noted that more than 6,000 Indonesians live and work in Kuwait across the health, oil and gas, hospitality, education, and industrial sectors. She emphasized that the embassy is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to ensure ethical employment and the protection of workers’ rights.
Turning to her country’s national achievements, Ambassador Mariana explained that Indonesia will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 17, 2025, under the theme: ‘United in Sovereignty… A Prosperous People… An Advanced Indonesia.’ This, she said, reflects the people’s aspirations for unity and development.
The celebration also coincides with the first year of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s leadership, under which the government launched the National Development Plan (2025–2029) as the first phase toward realizing the “Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.” This vision aims to reduce poverty, enhance human capital, and achieve high, sustainable economic growth.
On the economic front, she pointed out that Indonesia’s GDP grew by 5.12% in Q2 2025, driven by investment and consumer spending. In February, the government launched its new sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, which manages assets worth USD 1 trillion, offering investment opportunities in minerals, energy, digitalization, healthcare, and agriculture. She invited Kuwaiti investors to seize these opportunities.
In foreign policy, Ambassador Mariana reaffirmed that Indonesia remains committed to neutrality and non-alignment, in line with its constitution and its belief in building a multipolar world order based on justice and respect for sovereignty.
She concluded by expressing her confidence that Kuwait’s wise leadership — His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah — will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation to the benefit of both friendly nations and their peoples.
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